How To Stage a Bathroom

There’s no two ways around it – a bathroom can make or break a house sale. It doesn’t matter how great the rest of your house looks, if the bathroom is ugly, outdated or dirty, it can really turn-off a would-be buyer.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, help your bathroom make a good impression by following this staging advice.

Clean, clean, clean

It may not be a fun job, but now is the time to clean the bathroom from top to bottom. And don’t skip all the nooks and crannies where mold can camp out. Get out your bleach and toothbrush and get to work until that bathroom shines. This includes removing soap scum and residue from showerheads and doors.

Remove all cleaning products

Now that the bathroom is sparkling, remove all evidence of the cleaning that was involved. Store any cleaning products under the sink or in another room like the kitchen or laundry room. This includes the toilet brush and plunger. While you’re at it, take out the bath mat and the trashcan. You want your bathroom to have a clean and pristine appearance.

Stash the personal stuff

Buyers do not want to see evidence of your personal life in what could be their new bathroom. One of the first things you should do when staging your bathroom is to hide all of your personal belongings. This includes toothbrushes, toiletries, cosmetics, and products in your shower. You should also remove the bathroom scale – nobody needs a reminder of a failed diet when looking at your home.

Make needed repairs

Has that bathroom faucet been leaking? You may have gotten used to it, but that’s something a buyer will notice. Be sure to repair or replace all leaking faucets. If you have peeling paint or the walls are looking tired, repaint in a bright, neutral color. You should also replace light bulbs with 100-watt bulbs to make the bathroom appear bigger and brighter.

Invest in luxurious upgrades

Buyers will pay more for a bathroom that feels new and luxurious. So think about recreating a spa experience in your home. Buy new, fluffy towels in a neutral color. Replace cabinet hardware and towel bars with something more contemporary. Get a new shower curtain, preferably in white. Consider adding an orchid or houseplant in a simple vase to the counter. If you have the money, it also makes sense to swap out your vanity for something more modern. Go with a cabinet made of quality materials and keep it simple.

Create a relaxing ambience

Although you don’t want to display too many items in your bathroom, as it will make it appear smaller, a few tasteful additions can be helpful. Think about rolling towels and placing them in a basket, or arranging a stack of beautiful scented soaps next to the sink. Hang a fluffy white robe on the back of the door. Hang a picture or two of relaxing, tranquil environments like the beach or a mountain stream.

The bottom line is, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on a total bathroom overhaul when you’re selling. Simply invest the time in cleaning and make smart choices about staging, and your bathroom will make a good impression on buyers.